Uptake and degradation of EDTA by Escherichia coli

It was found that Escherichia coli exhibited a growth by utilization of Fe(III)EDTA as a sole nitrogen source. No significant growth was detected when Fe(III)EDTA was replaced by EDTA complexes with other metal ions such as Ca(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), and Zn(2+). When EDTA uptake was measured in the presence of various ions, it was remarkable only when Fe(3+) was present. The cell extract of E. coli exhibited a significant degradation of EDTA only in the presence of Fe(3+). It is likely that the capability of E. coli for the growth by utilization of Fe(III)EDTA results from the Fe(3+)-dependent uptake and degradation of EDTA.